2023 Kia Carnival vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Kia Carnival presented a unique blend of style and functionality, setting itself apart from the typical minivan. It featured a distinctive design with high-tech front and rear lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, which contributed to its upscale image. The SX Prestige trim, in particular, was equipped with dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, dual power sunroofs, and flashy dashboard trim that mirrored the exterior's sophisticated appearance. The interior materials were of high quality, preventing the minivan from feeling cheap, and the robust transmission shifter added a sense of quality.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 exuded luxury with its Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior, featuring diamond-stitched Nappa premium leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. The exterior, however, was relatively plain, with the Prestige Signature trim offering exclusive colors and a stylish 22-inch wheel design. Inside, the GV80 boasted ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display, underscoring its status as a flagship Genesis SUV. Despite its luxurious interior, the GV80's exterior design did not stand out as much as its interior opulence.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive. The Carnival's powertrain provided a satisfying driving experience, with the V6 engine supplying ample power even when fully loaded. However, the lack of all-wheel drive and a hybrid option was a drawback, especially in wet conditions. The Carnival's brakes performed well in most situations, but they showed signs of fading during a steep mountain descent. The minivan offered a firm, sporty ride quality, with a softer ride when fully loaded.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, on the other hand, offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 375 horsepower. Our test vehicle featured the latter, providing a more satisfying performance but with a thirstier fuel consumption. The GV80's all-wheel-drive system and adaptive damping suspension contributed to its athletic performance, making it more engaging to drive than expected. The larger front brakes resisted fade well, and the SUV's steering, while unremarkable, did not detract from the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Carnival's interior was designed to resemble an SUV, with a lower driving position and a center console similar to those found in SUVs. It offered three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige trim featuring genuine leather. The Carnival's three-zone automatic climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats added to its comfort. The VIP Lounge Seats in the second row were a standout feature, offering power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated seating. However, they limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet and made accessing the third row more challenging. The Carnival's third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and the cargo area behind it offered 40.2 cubic feet of space.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80's interior was luxurious but had limited passenger capacity in the Prestige Signature trim, which featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. The GV80's seats, while visually appealing, were not as comfortable as expected, with the diamond-stitched surfaces feeling like bubble wrap. The SUV offered 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded down. However, the rear center console in the Prestige Signature trim limited the ease of loading cargo.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a visually impressive and user-friendly interface. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre. The Carnival also offered features like Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was sophisticated but did not capture the interest of teenage passengers.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement made the control dial on the center console more practical for use. The infotainment package included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 also featured a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system. The Prestige and Prestige Signature trims added a head-up display, which was particularly helpful for blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit System were notable features. The Carnival's Highway Driving Assist technology was highly effective, providing smooth and predictable semi-autonomous driving assistance. The IIHS named the 2023 Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, but the NHTSA had not yet rated it.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 also offered a range of advanced driving-assistance systems, such as a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV80's Highway Driving Assist worked well in light or dense, slow-moving traffic but was less desirable in moderate to heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Remote Smart Parking Assist added to the SUV's safety features. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.